Jarrod A.
Yelp
A surprising visit that left me amazed as I departed with more than I thought I would've found. Kinoole Farmer's Market, a small yet charming venue only on Saturdays in Hilo located at Kinoole Plaza.
12+ vendors total, a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, baked goods and plants to purchase. All spread-out in a less crowded venue than the one at Downtown Hilo. Yes, not as much vendors to choose from. But, this market at Kinoole Street places a powerful "punch", with less repeats of the same items, quality offered.
I purchased beautiful papayas from one vendor. Her tables organized well, items bagged, one of the best visually presented tables there. I had to stop myself from picking up more than I needed. Delicious for breakfast. And another sweet vendor, I purchased purple sweet potatoes. The price equal to the downtown market and equally as enjoyable steamed. Thank you.
Stunning, bright, eye catching anthiriums of all colors and sizes in buckets throughout. I immediately walked there, I wanted to buy these anthiriums. Even if I didn't have use for them which I did, I still would've bought some.
Sold in 6 counts or a dozen, prices reflects the sizes of the anthiriums selected. This is where the fun began for me. Selecting each anthirium, like in a candy store with the choice to bag your own chocolates. I felt extremely amused, somewhat giddy at times. Thanks to the ladies from Green Point Nurseries Inc. who were just as vibrant as the colors being offered from their farms in Panaewa and Kurtistown.
Could it be? Was it? Oh yes, as I snagged a bag of her Big Island Li Hing Mui Potato Chips. First it's the crunch, a slight smokiness from being fried, then the taste of potatoes sliced with personality. The salty and sweet tones of the li hing mui powder mix comes through in a delighful way. So many sweet options to choose from, made with the help from her daughters in Papaikou. I will return, K & L Aoki.
I was just going to snap a photo and move on. But return customers to this vendor had me stop and think twice. I selected a loaf of Cranberry-Walnut from Daily Kneads Brick Oven Breads. Met John in the process, the owner as he went through his bread selections, made from scatch jams, chocolate bars made from cacao beans from his property in Kurtistown. Fascinating.
And his bread, OMG. Wish I had bought two, the whole loaf gone that night + into breakfast the next day. Slightly moist in texture with a spring-like bounce, an even golden brown color. Intermittent crunch, sweet nut like flavor, yet wheaty, enjoyable to the finish. With or without butter, plain I would say was mostly desired. Something of an artisan level, perfection done during the kneading and baking process. Can't wait for my next Saturday off to buy more.
I witnessed the local community coming and going. Stepping in to purchase what they wanted and quickly leaving. Most knowing exactly what to buy. An older crowd, no tourisits. With minimal traffic, less crowded and, ample parking, an easy choice for simple shopping for most.
I had the pleasure of visiting some of these wonderful individuals and the business they represent. To learn about how the items were made, where they're from, who was involved in the process to get here, their stories. Know that there are others worth mentioning and visiting. I hope to do so on my next visit. I hope you do too.